DC United Earns a Home Playoff Match, Chicago Fire Season Concludes With Decisions Ahead!

BRIDGEVIEW,IL–The final regular season match proved to be something of a welcome for DC United entering the postseason, while Chicago carried its end of the season on a four-match winless streak.

DC United and the Fire played to a goalless draw on Sunday afternoon at Toyota Park.

As it turned out, DC United (14-11-9, 51 points) landed in a tie with the Columbus Crew, with DC United having a better goal differential in locking down the No.4 spot in the Eastern conference. DC United will get to host the Crew on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET.

DC United closed out its last ten matches with a return of 24 points and made a run into the postseason playoffs.

“We knew it was tough and we looked at the weather before game,” DC United midfielder Russell Canouse said. “We didn’t expect all the wind and rain in the second half. We came out and we were going against the wind. So, we didn’t get one with the wind first half and made it difficult in the second half. But the result was enough for us to have home advantage for the playoffs. So that’s a positive. It’s very exciting for us and that was our goal for us coming into the game. We needed to win, luckily a tie was able to get us home field advantage. It’s a big advantage to have our home fans behind us for the first game.”

Wayne Rooney had a few chance on goal in trying to get a goal for DC United, but he was held off the scoreboard like the rest of the team by the Chicago Fire. But dealing with the Fire made it a challenge all the way back to the defense.

“Overall, our whole team defended well,” Rooney said. “Chicago was a difficult team, they move around a lot than most others. It’s hard to defend against them. Finishing fourth from where we were was a great achievement. Now, we have to get ready for the next game.”

For the Chicago Fire (8-18-8, 32 points), its season had concluded leaving a disappointment for a tenth place finish ahead of Orlando, but hopes and sights are looking towards next season.

“It’s a tough moment of the season not knowing what our future will be,” Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said. “I’m happy for the hard work and what they did. I’m fully responsible for the events this year. I personally have to improve and get better. Give everyone who’s expected from me results.”

As for how the match went against DC United, the Fire certainly showed that they could match up with its opponent just like others this season. The result showed that in a draw.

“I think we had a very good first half,” Paunovic said. “We missed some great opportunities which would’ve helped us get the victory. In the second half, we played a more cheerful way to get the result with the wind. We missed some opportunities and played to the end. We did create some situations that could’ve helped us. The result is fair but I also want to congratulate all our opponents and all teams that we played this year. Also, I want to congratulate DC United for making the playoffs. They had a great team effort and good luck.”

For the Fire season, they had some hope during the season reaching the top six teams, but injuries and a lack of key additions resulted in a downslide that took them out of contention for the playoffs

“We couldn’t stay in with a consistent performance,” Paunovic added. “We lost that and were close in a number of games. We carried a burden of injuries from last season into this season. So, we were looking for that moment to give us the necessary confidence to carry on to the rest of the season. The period that we were punched with severe injuries. I think these things hurt us and we weren’t capable of going beyond the difficulties and deal with the adversities. It’s something that we have to learn or mature in that part of the game playing a long season and a complicated schedule.”

Where the Fire goes towards next season maybe on what Bastain Schweinsteiger will do. It appears to be a wait and see decision going into the offseason.

“I have to think about it all a little bit,” Schweinsteiger said. “I will have some talks and we’ll if its yes or no. Last year, I took some time off and made my decision then. So, I’ll what it might be, maybe five days out or we’ll see.”